A week in the life of a chemical engineering undergraduate

From lectures to laboratory-based practicals and personal tutorials, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BEng or MEng Chemical Engineering student at Surrey.

Credit: University of Surrey

How will I be taught?

Your learning on this hands-on course will be delivered through a combination of tutorials, lectures, laboratory-based practicals, group work and online learning.

In your third year you'll have the opportunity to experience the full chemical engineering journey. In our £1.7 million Fluor Pilot Plant facility, you'll take on real industrial roles and gain hands-on experience of professional processes, from start-up through to shut down.

You’ll also be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, running specialist software and reading. We have a range of study spaces available, including our library, open 24/7, and more relaxed spaces like our Hillside Coffee café.

What will I be taught?

A typical week in Semester 1 will cover the following modules: Mass and Energy Balances; Engineering Materials and Sustainability; Engineering Mathematics; and Science Principles for Engineers. Laboratory sessions are a key feature of Semester 2.

The course addresses major industry challenges and current issues including sustainability, clean methods of production, waste management and energy generation.

Read more about our undergraduate chemical engineering courses.

Since joining, I’ve realised chemical engineering is so much more than pipes and processes. I’ve explored sustainability in depth which later helped with industrial projects, worked with simulation and programming tools like MATLAB, and learned about safety regulations through modules like Process Safety and Operations Integrity. Subomi, Chemical Engineering MEng

What about other interests? Will I have time for those during the week?

Of course. That's part of the Surrey university experience. Students have access to more than 170 student clubs and societies, with interests ranging from mixed martial arts to mah jong, and poker to politics. A great way to meet other Chemical Engineering students is through the ChemEng society, which organises social events throughout the year.

Nearby Surrey Sports Park is a £36m facility, offering state-of-the-art training facilities such as a climbing wall and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

What’s life like outside lectures?

We’re a campus university so everything you need is within a five-minute walk, including the Students’ Union building, grocery shopping, wellbeing and support services, the launderette and the medical centre.

Guildford’s picturesque cobbled high street boasts a wide range of shops and restaurants, plus an excellent range of pubs and a busy nightlife. The town is also only a 35-minute train journey to London.

Expect more

Find out why you should expect more at Surrey and when our next undergraduate open days will be.

Disclaimer: The modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication and may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.